The United States and Venezuela celebrated the arrival of the first direct commercial flight between the two countries on Thursday, marking a significant milestone after a seven-year suspension due to security concerns raised by the U.S. Homeland Security Department.
This development comes in the wake of the U.S. capture of former president Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic nighttime raid at his residence in Caracas earlier this year. Additionally, the reopening of the U.S. embassy in Venezuela and the restoration of full diplomatic relations have paved the way for the resumption of nonstop commercial flights between the nations.
Passenger Lennart Ochoa from Miami expressed his enthusiasm for the direct flight to Caracas, emphasizing the priceless opportunity to reunite with family members. Among the passengers on this inaugural flight was Jarrod Agen, the director of the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, who is set to engage with Venezuelan officials and industry leaders to bolster U.S. business presence in Venezuela.
Flight AA3599, operated by Envoy Air, a subsidiary of American Airlines, departed Miami ahead of schedule and landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport after a three-hour journey. American Airlines has announced plans to introduce a second daily flight between Miami and Caracas starting on May 21.
In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced the opening of all commercial airspace over Venezuela, enabling Americans to travel safely to the country. This initiative signifies the restoration of direct travel links between the U.S. and Venezuela for the first time since 2019, following a period where passengers had to rely on international airlines and indirect routes through neighboring countries.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava highlighted the importance of the resumed flights, particularly for the large Venezuelan community in the region, enabling families to reconnect and pursue new opportunities. American Airlines, being the last U.S. carrier serving Venezuela, suspended its flights in 2019, with Delta and United Airlines having previously withdrawn from the Venezuelan market amid a political crisis.